Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria’s second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

Day programme:

NUREMBERG. Venture into Nuremberg’s main square, where the city’s spectacular Christkindelsmarkt has been held nearly every year since the 16th century. Immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of Germany’s largest Christmas market, browsing stalls where merchants sell all manner of holiday treats and crafts. Or tour the castle and then head to a local brewery for a tasting of Franconian specialties, including wheat beer and bratwurst. Continue to Sebalder Kirche to nibble on sweet and spicy lebkuchen, a form of gingerbread. Alternatively, visit sites associated with World War II including Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg trials took place. Set sail late in the day, crossing the European Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal, a waterway established by Emperor Charlemagne to create a passage from the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)

Regensburg is a medieval city of Bavaria in southeast Germany. It is situated on the northern point of the Danube River at its confluence with the Regen and Naab rivers. The city is famous for its iconic 12th Century stone bridge and sixteen arches, crossing the Danube into Old Town and is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. Regensburg is also noted for its 13th Century Regensburg Cathedral and Gothic twin spires that feature prominently on the city’s skyline. Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, the city is home to many preserved sites. Visit the the 2nd Century Porta Praetoria which served as the north gate to a Roman camp and St Peter’s Cathedral, with its French Gothic architecture. Also the 18th Century Thurn and Taxis Palace and the Old Town Hall, which is now home to the Imperial Diet Museum, are also worth a visit. Regensburg benefits from lots of parks and gardens for visitors to relax in, as well as walks and cycle paths along the banks of the rivers.

Day programme:

REGENSBURG, GERMANY. Discover the delights of Regensburg, which was spared damage during World War II and is now a World Heritage site. Once the capital of Bavaria, the city dates back to the Celts and was an outpost of the Roman Empire. On a guided walk, see architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, a gate in the original Roman city wall. Then enjoy free time to browse the enchanting Christmas market, perhaps sipping one of the region’s signature varieties of glühwein, or hot, spiced wine, or watch craftspeople at work at the Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. Alternatively, set off on a Bavarian tasting tour or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, and continue to the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple. (Meals: B,L,D)

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

Day programme:

PASSAU, GERMANY. Arrive in the medieval trade center of Passau, scenically situated at the confluence of three rivers. On a walking tour of the Old Town, admire baroque and Gothic architecture and seek out Bavarian crafts at its Christmas market. Or choose a full-day excursion to the World Heritage site of Salzburg. Take a walk along the cobbled lanes of its fairy-tale Old Town, and visit the Christmas market on the grounds of Mirabell Palace, and visit the home where Mozart was born. (Meals: B,L,D)

Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.

Day programme:

MELK, AUSTRIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Begin the day with a visit to Melk Abbey, a gem of baroque architecture perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Visit its recently renovated museum and its renowned library, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. If you prefer a more active pursuit, join a guided bike tour of Melk and its environs. Enjoy lunch and lovely views on board as the ship winds its way through the Wachau Valley, a World Heritage site known for its vineyards and charming riverside villages. Arrive in the elegant capital of Vienna and venture into the historic center for an evening at the city’s famous Rathaus Christmas market. (Meals: B,L,D)

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Day programme:

VIENNA. Spend the morning exploring the imperial landmarks of the “city of waltzes.” See the majestic Opera House, beautifully reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II, and Hofburg Palace, the home of generations of Habsburg monarchs—including the famous Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi. Then follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, home to a world-class fine art collection housed within an opulent neoclassical building. You’ll have an opportunity to stop at the city’s smaller Christmas markets just outside the museum. Alternatively, choose to take a guided bike ride along the Danube. In the afternoon, tour Schönbrunn Palace, transformed into a winter wonderland with a festive holiday market set against the backdrop of its resplendent façade. (Meals: B,L,D)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. The Danube flows through the center of Budapest, its banks dotted with the iconic monuments of the once-separate cities of Buda and Pest. Ascend Castle Hill by vehicle or on foot for a walking tour of the leafy Buda side of the city, strolling through Dózsa György Square to Fisherman’s Bastion. Attend a private concert at the former home of composer Franz Liszt. During an afternoon tour of Pest, view the magnificent Parliament building and discover city squares brimming with festive market stalls where merchants sell Hungarian handicrafts and holiday treats such as strudel and grog. Or join a Jewish heritage walking tour visiting the largest synagogue in Europe, then see the evocative Shoes on the Danube memorial. Celebrate your holiday voyage at a farewell dinner this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before your return flight home. (Meals: B)